Lubbock Police go on Facebook to help public

The Lubbock Police Department is now on Facebook, following an increasingly popular trend for hundreds of law enforcement agencies nationwide.

The department started using the free social networking Web site last week.

"It's just another channel to get information out to the public," said Capt. Greg Stevens, department spokesman. "There's all these tools we can use to reach out to the public and keep them informed."

Stevens said he hopes the new page also helps police solve crimes.

The department, which had more than 400 fans Monday, has posted information about crimes, such has descriptions and photos of wanted suspects, as well as public safety announcements.

Officials also use the site to let its fans know what the department is up to, including showcasing good works of officers and posting pictures of the department.

Stevens said the page will help put the department in a positive light to not only residents, but prospective residents and prospective applicants to the department.

"It's a trend in law enforcement," he said. "It shows us as modern and progressive law enforcement agency."

Stevens said the trend has really caught on in the past couple of years.

Hundreds of agencies around the country use Facebook. For example, departments in Dallas, Houston and Chicago are on Facebook.

"It's one of the non-traditional means for reaching people," said Kese Smith, Houston police spokesmant.

The Houston department, which got on Facebook this past summer and now has more than 11,000 fans, uses the page primarily for education and notice of events or department news. It also allows the department to interact with the public.

"It's a two-way conversation," Smith said. Facebook users may post comments on pages. Officials can then respond to posts.

Other agencies also utilize Facebook, including the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

Stevens said he hopes the local department will eventually get a Twitter account, which is something other agencies - such as the Texas Department of Public Safety - have done.